Magee on ASU: 'We need to get back on top where we belong'

Southern California running back Curtis McNeal (22) runs for a touchdown through Arizona State cornerback Deveron Carr (1) and linebacker Brandon Magee (8) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, in Los Angeles. Southern California won 38-17. (AP Photo/Bret Hartman)

Senior linebacker Brandon Magee admitted that when Arizona State hired head coach Todd Graham, he was worried about how committed the new coach was going to be to the older players.

But Magee told Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo Monday it didn't take long for Graham to win him over.

"He said he was committed to the seniors, he is going to play all the best guys, he is going to have discipline in his team, only character guys are going to play, the people that don't show up to class or practice hard are not going to be a part of this team," Magee said. "The key points he made to me the first time we had a conversation, I followed him right after that."

Now preparing for his final game in a Sun Devil uniform, Magee is pleased with the direction Graham is taking the program.

"From Todd Graham all the way down to the assistant coaches, (they) are outstanding guys. They teach character, discipline, all the right things you need at college, especially at a program like Arizona State," Magee said. "We need to get back on top where we belong."

A key for ASU to "get back on top" will be recruiting players from California.

Magee, who went to high school in Corona, California, feels recruiting from the state shouldn't be a problem for Graham.

Listen: Brandon Magee, ASU Linebacker

Brandon Magee calls into the show to discuss the Sun Devils upcoming game against Navy in the Kraft Hunger Bowl and his expectations for it. He also talks about his excitement for the program and the coaching staff moving forward. He also talks about his future and the possibility of playing at the next level in the NFL.

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"If I were Todd Graham, I would go back to the great players from California that we had here, and show them how good they did and show them where they are today," Magee said. "Show them that California players succeed out here."

He also suggested letting players like him and high school teammate Will Sutton talk to players about what it is like to live in the Valley.

Magee, Sutton and the Sun Devils return to action December 29 when they take on Navy in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl in San Francisco.